Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Julian was like a knight in shining armor when he appeared. Whatever he said to the bikers made them leave, and when they departed, the sound of their motorbikes fading away, everyone relaxed. I was grateful for him stepping in and secretly pleased he had sought me out again. I wondered if he felt the same pull to me as I did to him, if he had shown up because, after last night, he was ready to address the elephant in the room. There was no denying the attraction between us. It was like a life-form of its own.
I headed to the kitchen to see what I could do to help. Lillian could handle the tables for a while, and Julian was busy eating. Kevin, the kid trying to keep up with the dishes, indicated the bags by the back door. “Trash,” he mumbled.
“I could do some dishes?” I tried. I hated trash duty. The back alley was dim, the trash container smelled, and I knew there were rats outside. I heard them scurrying, and it made my skin crawl.
“No, I’ll finish. Dump those two bags, and we’re caught up. I’ve been out three times already.”
I kept my sigh to myself. Even Lillian had dragged out a couple bags earlier, so I supposed it was my turn. I opened the back door, scanning the alleyway. It was deserted, and I was grateful to see that at least the trash container lid was open. I only had to toss the bags and head inside. I grabbed the awkward, heavy trash, hurrying over, grimacing when the kitchen door shut behind me and the alley became darker. It creeped me out, and my breathing kicked up.
I tossed the bags one at a time, grateful neither of them split open. But before I could turn around, someone was behind me. I gasped in fright as I was pushed against the hard, cold brick wall and an angry voice spoke in my ear.
“Not so tough without your bodyguard, are you, sweet cheeks?”
I recognized his voice. It was the leader of the bikers. And he was furious.
I struggled against his hold, panicked. His hands tightened, the pain of his fingers digging into my arms burning. He spun me around, one hand going to my throat and squeezing as he slammed me to the wall with his other arm. My head hit the hard surface, the pain blooming in my skull, making me dizzy. His fetid breath washed over me, the scent of unwashed skin and old leather making me gag. “You think you’re too good for the likes of me? Always ignoring me, pretending I don’t exist?”
He pushed closer, cutting off my oxygen. “I’m gonna teach you a lesson you won’t forget.”
The world tilted in front of me, and I struggled to stay conscious. I knew if I passed out, I would end up somewhere else and at this man’s mercy. One word echoed in my head, one plea that repeated itself.
Julian. Help.
It was like a mantra I couldn’t stop. My fear morphed as the biker’s fingers tightened and black spots appeared in front of my eyes.
Please, Julian.
Without warning, it happened. One moment, I was pressed into the brick, my shoulders screaming from the pain of the jagged cement digging into my skin and my lungs desperate for oxygen, and the next, a roar filled the alley and my assaulter was gone.
Julian stood over him, breathing fast, his face twisted into a menacing snarl. He held a knife in his hand, and the expression on his face was frightening.
He looked at me. “Go inside, Tally.”
I couldn’t get my legs to work. I was shaking so badly, I couldn’t speak, move, or think. My head was muddled and confused. He seemed to understand that.
“Shut your eyes, then, baby. You don’t need to see this.”
My legs gave out, and I slid down the wall, pulling my knees to my chest and lowering my head.
I shut my eyes and tried to block out the sounds, failing completely. Groans and pain-filled gasps filled the air. The sounds of fists driving into flesh were repeated over and again. Julian’s voice, cold, angry, and deadly calm, reached my ears.
“I told you. You didn’t listen. She is under my protection, and now you’ve touched—you’ve hurt—what’s mine. When you’re pissing blood for the next week, remember this.”
The biker groaned.
Julian cursed and muttered more threats. Angry words. I didn’t dare lift my head.
I heard more muffled grunts, a low scream, and then silence.
Then Julian was in front of me. “Tally, it’s me. You’re safe now, okay?” He spoke soothingly, close to my ear. “I’m going to pick you up. Do you understand me?”
I nodded, still unable to speak. My fear was lodged in my throat as memories crowded into my head. Terror filled my chest, bringing panic and uncertainty with it. I gasped as he scooped me up, my body trembling and out of control.